Children ages 1 – 18 will receive a free dental screening as well as a goody bag with dental supplies to use for proper oral hygiene at home. Parents/Guardians must accompany children in order for them to receive a dental screening and a goody bag. The schedule for the Colgate-Bright Smiles Bright Futures and Aunt Martha’s Dental Vans are as follows:

Children and their Parent/Guardian from all cities and towns in Vermilion County are welcome at any of the four sites. Services are provided on a first come first served basis. We are anticipating a large number of children at all sites so we are encouraging Parents/Guardians to come early to ensure that children are able to receive the offered services.

The dental screening will satisfy all Vermilion County School District’s dental screening requirement for children in kindergarten, second, and sixth grades. Forms will be completed and given to the Parent/Guardian at the time of the screening.

Colgate-Bright Smiles Bright Futures will provide the dental van, supplies, and goody bags, while Orland Park Dental Services will provide the dentist and hygienist who will be completing the dental screenings. Aunt Martha’s dental van will be available on August 14th to schedule follow-up appointments for those children who have been identified during the screening process as needing restorative care or cleanings.

Community volunteers, including volunteers from the Vermilion County Health Department, will be available to educate children and their parents on proper brushing and flossing technique. The education volunteers will be demonstrating proper technique on “Mr. Gross Mouth” and other dental models. Brochures will be distributed that address brushing, flossing, fluoride, sealants, and soft drink tooth decay.

Kathy Richard, Director of HALO Project states that “Dental health is directly related to systemic health (poor oral health affects other body health) and there is now medical proof that gum disease is directly linked to developing cardiovascular disease. It is extremely important that children receive appropriate dental care and that they are taught how to properly take care of their teeth now in order to avoid the risk of disease later in life.“

Many children and their families in Vermilion County do not have access to or can not afford dental care. Many families admit to not having enough dental supplies for each member of their family to practice healthy oral hygiene. If you know of family, friends, church members, acquaintances, coworkers, or neighbors who do not have transportation to one of the dental van sites, please be a “Good Samaritan” and provide transportation for them. Part of Provena United Samaritans Medical Center’s mission is “building communities of healing and hope” and with everyone working together, the “Smiling Faces Dental Day in Danville” program has the potential to affect children’s health and quality of life in a very positive way far into their future. Please join us in this very important endeavor!